The legal troubles surrounding former 19 Kids and Counting star Joseph Duggar deepened this week when his wife, Kendra Duggar, was also arrested just two days after Joseph was taken into custody on molestation charges.
Here’s what we know about both arrests and the charges the couple now faces:
Joseph Duggar’s Arrest
Us Weekly can confirm Joseph Duggar was arrested by the Tontitown Police Department in Arkansas at approximately 3 p.m. on March 18. He allegedly sexually abused a 9-year-old girl during a family trip to Florida in 2020. Bay County authorities, where the alleged incident took place, obtained a warrant for his arrest.
He was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older, per the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Kendra Duggar’s Arrest and New Charges for Both
Two days later, on March 20, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Us that Kendra Duggar was arrested and booked. She was later released after paying her bond, which was set at $1,470.
A press release from the Tontitown Police Department stated that both Joseph and Kendra now face four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and four counts of false imprisonment in the second degree. The couple share four children.
When it comes to the Duggars, the more members, the merrier — which is why some fans have a hard time keeping track of the famous family. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy […]
Us obtained a copy of Kendra’s mugshot and arrest video.
How the Two Arrests Are Connected — And How They’re Not
While the timing of the arrests raised questions, a source with knowledge of the case provided important clarification.
“Kendra’s arrest has nothing to do with Joseph’s — although one precipitated another,” the source exclusively told Us Weekly on March 21. “After his charge, they automatically do a home study if minors live there.”
Kendra’s charges appear to stem from a separate investigation triggered by the standard process following Joseph’s arrest, not from involvement in his alleged crimes.
Amy Duggar Reverses Her Initial Statement
Amy Duggar, Joseph’s cousin, was one of the first members of the extended Duggar family to speak out after Joseph’s March 18 arrest. However, she changed her statement of support for Kendra following Kendra’s own arrest.
“I think that was a plot twist that no one saw coming,” Amy said of Kendra’s arrest during a March 21, interview with TMZ. “When I gave that [first] statement … that was just the information I was given at the time.”
Amy also disclosed the extent of her estrangement from the couple.
“Just a few facts: I haven’t seen or heard from Jo in about 5 years,” Amy wrote via her Instagram Story on March 23.
How Long Have Joseph and Kendra Been Married?
Joseph and Kendra started courting in March 2017 and were engaged by May of that year. “I’m so happy and so shocked,” Kendra told People at the time.
“There’s so many words I want to say, but just shocked.” Joseph told the publication he was “definitely nervous” before proposing.
Joseph’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, later celebrated the wedding, which took place in September 2017. “Congratulations to the Newlyweds!” they said at the time. “It’s an amazing and exciting day for our family!”
Joseph and Kendra were seemingly last seen publicly in footage from the Duggar family’s annual Christmas costume party, included in Joseph’s sister Jessa Duggar‘s “Holiday Festivities” vlog published on February 9. In the video, Joseph wears a black costume. “She’s a Christmas tree, and I’m the lights going on her Christmas tree,” Joseph explains in a brief clip.
What Remains Unknown
No official statements from Joseph, Kendra, their attorneys, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar or TLC have been released. The specific details underlying the four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment have not been fully disclosed. The investigation, which involves authorities in both Arkansas and Florida, remains ongoing.
